A six‑seat Model Y L arrives from Shanghai — priced at 64,990,000 won (about $42,893)
Tesla Korea has opened orders for the Model Y L (Long Wheelbase), a stretched Model Y with a three‑row, six‑seat layout. The vehicle is built at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, and reporters have already spotted what appears to be a Model Y L in Korea. The most visible change is the extra seating. Targeted at buyers who prioritize cabin space — notably families — the Model Y L combines a roomier interior with competitive pricing, analysts say.
The Model Y L’s headline change is its larger footprint: the wheelbase is extended roughly 150 mm (about 5.9 in), and overall length grows to 4,976 mm. That allows a 2‑2‑2 seating arrangement, turning the compact SUV into a true six‑seater.
Pricing starts at 64,990,000 won for the Stealth Gray finish (approximately $42,893). Observers note the Model Y L could lure buyers who might otherwise consider family SUVs such as the Hyundai Palisade or the Kia Carnival. Within the electric SUV segment, it is likely to compete directly with the Kia EV9.
Why it’s not sold in the U.S.
A notable point: the Model Y L isn’t available in the U.S. That reflects its production origins in Shanghai and Tesla’s decision to prioritize markets where rear‑seat room is a major purchase driver. The Model Y L was first introduced for China — a market with strong demand for spacious rear seating — and is now being exported to nearby Asian markets, including Korea. The rollout underlines Korea’s growing strategic importance to Tesla, given its fast access to newer variants. 
Can EV sales keep rising amid high fuel prices?
As Tesla expands its foothold in Korea’s EV market, analysts are watching whether geopolitical developments — such as conflict in the Middle East — will further accelerate EV demand. Tesla Korea has already reached a milestone. For the first time, an imported brand exceeded 10,000 monthly sales in Korea. According to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA), new registrations of imported passenger cars in March rose 34.6% year‑on‑year to 33,970 units. Tesla accounted for 11,130 of those registrations, marking the first instance of a single imported brand surpassing 10,000 units in one month. The Model Y (6,749 units) and Model 3 (3,702 units) were the top two sellers by model last month.
Korea’s strategic importance grows as global EV demand softens
With Tesla’s global first‑quarter deliveries coming in below some forecasts, Korea’s strategic value to the company looks set to increase. On April 2 (local time), Tesla reported worldwide deliveries of 358,023 vehicles in Q1, a 6% increase year‑over‑year but short of the Bloomberg consensus of 372,160 vehicles. This marks the second consecutive quarter Tesla missed market delivery expectations.
Model 3 and Model Y together accounted for 341,893 of the quarter’s deliveries. Q1 production totaled 408,386 vehicles. Cybertruck sales remain sluggish.
